For 2nd Day In Row, Mamata Banerjee Frets About Horse-Trading After Polls

This has refocused attention on Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's statement yesterday about chances of support to Mamata Banerjee if needed after May 2.

For the second time in two days, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress boss Mamata Banerjee has voiced concerns about the BJP resorting to horse-trading after the elections in case the difference in numbers of seats between the two parties is slim. This has refocused attention on Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's statement yesterday about chances of support to Mamata Banerjee if needed after May 2. Mr Chowdhury had denied the possibility but signed off saying, "Politics is the art of the possible. Anything can happen." Speaking at a rally at Domjur in Howrah on Thursday, Ms Banerjee said, "They have so much money. They are buying up everyone. Many political leaders have been bought already. Many traitors and Mir Jaffars purchased. They are saying, you need money? Take this. Just don't campaign. Or they are giving money and saying pay back later, meaning, come with the BJP later. This is not Bengal's culture." On Wednesday, at Cooch Behar, she said, "It is no use to me winning my seat alone. My vote is done. I will win. Wherever I stand, I will win. But I cannot form a government if I win alone. Out of 294 seats, I need a minimum of 200. We have to cross 200. Otherwise, the BJP will give money and buy up some traitors."